The post SEC Chair Paul Atkins Rejects Securities Label for Most Crypto Tokens appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News
The U.S. SEC has been increasingly softening its stance on digital assets under the Trump administration.
In a recent appearance, SEC Chair Paul Atkins hinted at a change in how crypto tokens are viewed, as the agency explores ways to modernize rules for the evolving digital asset market.
Most Tokens Aren’t Securities, Says Atkins
SEC Chair Paul Atkins, speaking in a recent fireside chat at the Wyoming Blockchain Symposium in Jackson Hole, said that only a small portion of crypto tokens should be classified as securities. His remarks highlight a potential shift in how the agency approaches digital assets and regulation.
“We cannot go about looking at the tokens themselves as necessarily being a security,” he explained. “From the SEC’s perspective, we will plow forward on this idea that just the token itself is not necessarily the security and probably not. There are very few in my mind tokens that are securities, but it depends on what’s the package around it and how that’s being sold.”
SEC Wants Clear and Adaptable Rules
Atkins stressed that the SEC’s responsibility is to provide transparent guidelines that can evolve with the industry.
In a recent post on X, he wrote:
“We must craft a framework that future proofs the crypto markets against regulatory mischief. I look forward to working with my counterparts across the Administration and Congress to get the job done.”
I had a great conversation with @TeresaGoody at @SALTConference’s Wyoming Blockchain Symposium today about my priorities as @SECgov chairman, including Project Crypto and making IPOs great again. It’s a new day at the SEC.
While Atkins works on shaping SEC policy, Congress is also pushing forward.
The House passed the CLARITY Act in July, and the Senate plans to follow with its own market-structure bill in September.
To align with these efforts, Atkins recently announced “Project Crypto,” a wide-ranging set of pro-crypto initiatives that will modernize securities laws. The plan includes:
Clear standards for when tokens qualify as securities
Safe harbors for token launches
Updated custody requirements for institutions
Approval for “super-apps” that combine trading, lending, and other services under a single license.
Trump Blames Powell for Housing Crisis as Markets Push for Fed Rate Cuts
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Trump’s Push for a Crypto-Friendly U.S.
In another interview with Fox Business, Atkins shared that the agency is bringing together all divisions of the agency to carry out President Trump’s push to make the U.S. more crypto-friendly.
The SEC is also taking a fresh look at crypto custody rules, specifically how broker-dealers, asset managers, and advisers handle digital assets.
“The main reason for doing all this and addressing these various regulations is to provide some certainty for people,” he said.
The SEC’s evolving stance, combined with action from Congress, signals a potential reset for crypto regulation in the United States.
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FAQs
Is the SEC changing its stance on cryptocurrency?
Yes. Under the Trump administration, the SEC is softening its stance, with Chair Atkins stating most tokens are not securities and announcing new pro-crypto initiatives.
Are all crypto tokens considered securities by the SEC?
No. SEC Chair Paul Atkins stated that only a “very few” tokens are securities. Classification depends on the specific project’s structure and how it is sold.
Why is the SEC updating its crypto rules?
To provide regulatory certainty and modernize frameworks for the evolving digital asset market, supporting President Trump’s push for a crypto-friendly U.S.